Mount Shirane•

Mount Shirane erupted on January 23, 2018 around Kagamiike Pond near the Motoshirane summit. A no-entry zone of one kilometer is currently maintained around the craters, resulting in the closure of the upper section of the Kusatsu Ski Resort.

Furthermore, a no-entry zone of one kilometer was established on April 22 around the Yugama Crater of Mount Shirane. As a result, it is currently not possible to view the crater, and the road between Kusatsu and Shiga Kogen is closed until further notice.

Mount Shirane (白根山, Shiranesan, often called Kusatsu-Shirane to differentiate it from other mountains called Shirane) is a series of volcanic peaks just outside the town of Kusatsu Onsen. It is a popular outdoor recreation area which offers hiking in the spring and summer, autumn colors in the fall and skiing in the winter.

Hiking is possible from mid April to early November and offers varying terrain and good views, along with a selection of trails starting at the town center or the Shirane Resthouse near the summit. The easiest and most popular walk is from the Shirane Resthouse to Yugama Crater Lake. It takes less than ten minutes along a paved trail, and you will often see women doing it in high heels. At the top you are rewarded by views of the sulfurous, baby blue Yugama Crater Lake as well as the surrounding mountain ranges.

Yumiike Pond and the parking lot

Access

The road to Mount Shirane is closed during winter from mid November to mid April. Paid parking is provided adjacent to the Shirane Resthouse This is also where the bus stop is located.

From Manza Onsen

From late April to late October, there are infrequent buses between the Manza Onsen (Manza Prince Hotel) and Kusatsu Onsen that make a stop at the Shirane Resthouse along the way. The one way ride between Manza and the Shirane Resthouse takes 15 minutes and costs 430 yen. The buses are not covered by the any JR passes.